Irene Lewis Leaving Center Stage

Artistic Director Irene Lewis is leaving Center Stage after 19 years. “I was ready for a change,” Lewis said in a press release, “and so was the Board.”

According to reports, Lewis was asked to leave, and she will depart at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 season.

Jay Smith, president of Center Stage's Board of Trustees, said, “Our appreciation of Irene’s artistic innovations and leadership over her tenure is indescribable. Her productions have created enjoyable, emotional, and challenging experiences for our audiences, a legacy that is the envy of artistic directors nationwide. We are most appreciative of Irene’s efforts during the last year to reposition CENTERSTAGE’s artistic programming in response to the difficult economic times, leaving the Theater in a strong position both artistically and financially.”

Board member Jed Dietz, Director of the Maryland Film Festival, will head the search for Lewis's replacement.